Which month for Eastern Caribbean?

[Traveller20074]

Thinking March 2013, but also December as well.

Going to book the Gem.....

Have been on the Pearl 3 times, thought I'd break out of my rut LOL

[4774Papa]

We did the Southern Caribbean in March and the weather was super.

[weltek]

What's most important to you? Water temps? Sunshine? Ages or crowds on the ship? Price?

[gymbomb]

I did Eastern this March and the weather was wonderful. It was spring break time (which is why I went -- as a teacher I'm only out when the students are out) so that will definitely increase the crowds, but we had a great time and would definitely do it again.

[roger001]

We've done late Nov twice and had great weather.

[SissasMomE]

IMO, March or April is the best time to go. December can be hit or miss weather wise.

[LegallyBlonder]

We'll be on the Gem in January! We love getting away during the coldest months up here in NY, and the weather has always been perfect for us (we've done three December Caribbean cruises and one January). I would avoid Spring Break time from a crowding perspective (I loved it as a college student, but not so much now)

[mommyto2girls]

We do January almost every year..weather is beautiful in the Caribbean then.

[Traveller20074]

Originally Posted by weltek

What's most important to you? Water temps? Sunshine? Ages or crowds on the ship? Price?

Definitely weather. I DO NOT want it to rain, that would be a deal-breaker. (if it rained a day or two a little bit, it might not be bad. Or, cloudy a little, with sunbreaks, etc.) Crowds? Hmmm...not sure..we'll have 3 kids with us...8, 3, and 18 months. New York would be the port we'll be leaving from, and in December the weather might be pretty cold there, but it would be awesome to see Christmas...Rockefeller Center would be a must see for me.

[4774Papa]

Originally Posted by Traveller20074

Definitely weather. I DO NOT want it to rain, that would be a deal-breaker. (if it rained a day or two a little bit, it might not be bad. Or, cloudy a little, with sunbreaks, etc.) Crowds? Hmmm...not sure..we'll have 3 kids with us...8, 3, and 18 months. New York would be the port we'll be leaving from, and in December the weather might be pretty cold there, but it would be awesome to see Christmas...Rockefeller Center would be a must see for me.

I hate to tell you this, but it rains in the Caribbean. This is especially true in the Eastern Caribbean. However, when it rains (ever wonder why the islands like Grenada and St. Lucia are so green?) it doesn't rain all day. Take and umbrella and you will be fine.

[roger001]

I have never looked at a 10 day forecast for the Carribean area that didn't say for almost every day, showers and scattered thunderstorms. But, we have never had more than an hour or two of those scattered showers, and usually only 5 miles away the sun is shinning. So yes, a good chance of it raining, maybe each day...but not for long. And, it cools things down briefly.

[weltek]

December, 1 cruise: Rained one full day and one half day
Mid-late January, 4 cruises: No rain

I would imagine late January-March are your best weather bets. Water should be warm in those timeframes, too.

[Traveller20074]

thanks everyone

[fergusonvt]

Originally Posted by mommyto2girls

We do January almost every year..weather is beautiful in the Caribbean then.

That's when we cruise also. Fantastic for Eastern Caribbean.